Using free markets to create a richer, freer, happier world.

The Adam Smith Institute is one of the world's leading think tanks. Independent, non-profit and non-partisan, we work to promote neoliberal and free market ideas through research, publishing, media commentary, and educational programmes. The Institute is today at the forefront of making the case for free markets and a free society in the United Kingdom.

Freedom from poverty through markets and economic growth

Central to our mission is our belief that free markets work best for the poor. No system has raised people out of poverty and given them the freedom to live their lives as they wish like free markets have, and in politics today it is usually the poorest people who bear the brunt of the government's worst policies in areas like education, health and welfare. Our mission is to use free markets to end poverty in Britain and around the world. We believe in:

Lower, flatter taxes

Drug reform

Drug prohibition has failed – drugs are easy to get hold of but are much more dangerous than they would be in a legalised environment. We're working with other groups to make the case for a sensible, evidence-based drugs policy that protects users and takes drugs out of the hands of criminals.

Free market welfare

The welfare state is outdated and needs reform so that it encourages work and gives people control over their own lives. We follow Milton Friedman in supporting a Negative Income Tax that tops up low-paid workers' wages and guarantees that work always pays.

The Wealth of Nations

The Entrepreneurs Network is the Adam Smith Institute's sister think tank, for the ambitious owners of Britain’s fastest growing businesses and aspirational entrepreneurs. Through research, events and the media, it bridges the gap between entrepreneurs and policymakers to help make Britain the best place in the world to start and grow a business.

It supports entrepreneurs by:

Producing cutting-edge research outlining the benefits of easing unnecessary burdens upon enterprise;

Hosting regular events to bridge the gap between the aspirations of the entrepreneurial community and policy makers;

Building a network of entrepreneurs who are keen to improve the public policy debate;

Championing entrepreneurship and making the case for a more entrepreneurial society.